Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Major truck problems after steering gear box install

[FFSchooley]

I just got done installing a new AGR steering gear box. After getting everything back together, I go start the truck to bleed the power steering fluid and the AIR BAG light is on. I go to back out of the garage and I have no brakes. So I shut down and try again. Same thing. I disconnect the batteries thinking it may have something to do with the AIR BAG light. After a bit, I reconnect them and the same thing. I noticed that my steering was very hard, almost like I have no power steering. So I check the fluid and I need to add more. So I add more power steering fluid. Now I have some brakes, but they make a "pop" sound and flutter and pop when I step on them, kinda like I am low on fluid or the ABS is working. I also get a very loud whine when I turn the steering wheel from the power steering pump. I Check the fluid. Its full, but has bubbles in it, since I really didn't get to bleed it due to the other problems. What the hell is going on? How could all this be associated with swaping out the gear box? The only other thing I can think of is that I was moving around the steering shaft a bunch to get it on the the input shaft of the gear box. I don't think I could have damaged anything, but I havn't checked yet. Any ideas?

 

[scramblin]

It doesn't sound like the system is bleed. I would jack the front end up (off the ground) and turn the wheel from lock to lock at least 60 times. Check the fluid level often while doing it. Engine off.

 

[scotmartin]

If the steering shaft is allowed to rotate too far while the steering box was being replaced, the "clock spring" underneath the air bag is probably ruined. I don't have an answer for your other problems.



Scot

 

[jrobinson2]

When I had my steering box apart it took forever to bleed the air out of the system, I had to shut it off and let the bubbles settle out and refill the reservoir several times.

Jared

 

[Big_Daddy_T]

FF. Not accusing you of being stupid. The brake system is a hydro boost. It will not work properly until you get the steering bled completey. I had a broken clock spring from the same operation.

 

[muchsnow]

I just got done installing a new AGR steering gear box. After getting everything back together, I go start the truck to bleed the power steering fluid and the AIR BAG light is on. I go to back out of the garage and I have no brakes. So I shut down and try again. Same thing. I disconnect the batteries thinking it may have something to do with the AIR BAG light. After a bit, I reconnect them and the same thing. I noticed that my steering was very hard, almost like I have no power steering. So I check the fluid and I need to add more. So I add more power steering fluid. Now I have some brakes, but they make a "pop" sound and flutter and pop when I step on them, kinda like I am low on fluid or the ABS is working. I also get a very loud whine when I turn the steering wheel from the power steering pump. I Check the fluid. Its full, but has bubbles in it, since I really didn't get to bleed it due to the other problems. What the hell is going on? How could all this be associated with swaping out the gear box? The only other thing I can think of is that I was moving around the steering shaft a bunch to get it on the the input shaft of the gear box. I don't think I could have damaged anything, but I havn't checked yet. Any ideas?

Seen this happen before, you have to secure the steering wheel when disconnecting the wheel shaft or the clock spring can be damaged (Airbag Light) if the wheel gets turned to far in either direction. If you havn't had the recall done, now would be the time. Your brakes and steering are a product of inadequate bleeding process. When you have hydroboost, bleeding the system takes a while. Running the system w/ air infused will/can damage all affected components. Take your time. if it foams up let it sit until it settles out then add fluid as required (wheels off the ground). once you get the fluid to stay clear and up in the res. driving it will still purge more or shove fluid out. drve it check it, drive it check it. repeat. helps to work the brake pedal while turning the wheel during bleeding process.



Follow the bleeding process provided from AGR with the gear or hunt any p steering procedure for Saginaw steering gears on the internet. the wheel should have been cranked back and forth at least 2 dozen times w/ fluid checks before firing up the truck. Then more of the same after starting w/wheels in the air. (do not go violently lock to lock, just nice and easy, if it foams just let it idle or shut it down until it clears, or the air will expand and push fluid out) once you have function and clear fluid and function at good fluid level go out to a parking lot and do figure 8's for five minutes or so w/brake usage and check fluids. Check when you get home and for a couple of days. After that wash all the fluid from the e-bay around the ps pump that you have pushed out and dribbled all over. I use clear vinyl tube and a 3/8 or larger prime bulb for a marine gas tank for filling and removing fluid. (less mess).